Kangana Ranaut to put on 25 Kilos for IIFA

Kangana Ranaut is known for her wafer thin figure, but will soon be adding 25 kilos. Well, it’s a gown that will give Kangana those extra kilos. The actor who will be seen gracing the IIFA ceremony has decided to go the fairytale way. Kangana who was amazed by the gowns at the Oscars asked designer friend Rick Roy to make one fairytale gown for Bollywood’s big night.
Rick Roy who is back to being friends with Kangana used about 250 meters of pink fabric and embellishments. We know that Kangana can carry off any look to the T. But with so much weight to carry on her fragile shoulders we hope she wouldn’t trip on the green carpet. With Adhyayan out of Kangana’s life again, here’s a chance for tinsel town men to be chivalrous and impress Kangana.

Riteish Deshmukh confirms presence in ‘Kal Kissne Dekha’

The cat is out of the bag. Today’s release ‘Kal Kissne Dekha’ would have Riteish Deshmukh essaying the role of an underworld don. In an extended guest appearance, Riteish would also be seen donning different get up in each of his scenes and would add to the fun quotient of the film.

Informs a source who had a dekko at the film, “The makers have so far kept this as a secret but the fact is that Riteish has a substantial role in the film. Of course Jackky Bhagnani is the film’s lead but Riteish too has a fantastic role of an underworld don.”

Elaborating more on Riteish’s presence in the film, she adds, “His character is that of someone who is fun loving. He keeps making on and off appearance in the film and brings in a different dimension to the narrative each time around. He is someone who is pretty money minded.”

Vashu Bhagnani, producer of ‘Kal Kissne Dekha’, too confirms around Riteish’s presence and says, “Yes, Riteish has an extended guest appearance in the film but that’s all I can say for now. Anything more would spoil the fun.”

On contacted, the man in picture - Riteish Deshmukh - was initially hesitant to talk about the film.

“I am not too sure how much should I be revealing about my role in the film. I don’t know if you can call it a special appearance or an extended guest appearance or anything of that sort. I am yet to see the final cut of how much of me is actually present in the film”, he says.

On being prodded further, he reluctantly adds, “This character was primarily conceived by my director Vivek Sharma and I primarily followed his vision. Whatever I have done in the movie, it is completely as per Vivek’s instructions. I merely copied him.” - Joginder Tuteja / Sampurn Media

Why is Sonam Kapoor trying to snub Aishwarya Rai?

Sonam Kapoor is terribly upset with Aishwarya Bachchan as the latter stood as a roadblock to her walking the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival. Sonam who had been signed as a brand ambassador for L'Oreal and was to walk the red carpet a Cannes with other beauties including Aishwarya, Penelope Cruz, Kerry Washington, Beyonce Knowles, Eva Longoria and Scarlett Johansson.

The excited Sonam in an interview dug her own grave when she offended Aishwarya. Sonam had said would be endorsing the youth brand and Aishwarya would appeal to the older women. This certainly did not go down too well with the former Miss World who has been a face of L'Oreal in India for years. Ash refused to walk the red carpet with Sonam and the L'Oreal had to bow down before her demands.

L'Oreal on its part maintained that Sonam's comments had created a lot of adverse effect and to prevent any escalation of the controversy they had asked the Saawariya actress to stay out of Cannes. Well it can be easily understood on whose request Sonam missed a ticket to the Cannes. As for Sonam she surely will never let her excitement get over her mind in future.

A R Rahman conferred honorary doctorate by Aligarh Muslim University

Oscar winning music director A R Rahman was today conferred an honorary doctorate by the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) for his contribution to the field of art and music.

Rahman, who created history by becoming the first Indian to win two Oscars for his composition in ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, was honoured along with noted Urdu scholar Gopi Chand Narang at the 59th convocation of the historic institution.

Overwhelmed to have joined the likes of former presidents Zakir Hussain and A P J Abdul Kalam and freedom fighter Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, who are among the earlier recipients of the award, Rahman urged Indian youth to work towards building “a strong, harmonious India”.

Barbara Mori surprised by fuss over her kiss

Mexican babe Barbara Mori is surprised that her on-screen lip lock with Hrithik Roshan in the movie Kites has become a talk of the town. The actress is amused as to why so much of fuss is being made about a kiss in a romantic movie. The movie revolves around an Indian salsa dancer played by Hrithik who falls for a Mexican girl played by Barbara.

Barbara Mori has incidentally created a lot of buzz in Bollywood in the past couple of months over her alleged affair with Hrithik Roshan. Rumors had it that Hrithik's wife Susanne had left home after being upset with hubby's extra-marital affair with the Mexican babe. This was later turned down by the couple who claimed to be still together. Barbara comes from a totally different culture where kissing is as common as handshakes and is finding it difficult to understand the Indian culture. The actress should have been informed that a decade or so ago even a lip to lip kiss was censored from public viewing. A generation of Bollywood lovers grew up watching two red roses meeting instead of two lips. Well Barbara if you want to work in Bollywood better get acclimatised to the Indian culture and mentality!

Shahid Kapur Yash Raj Films' favourite hero?

Bollywood actor Shahid Kapur seems to have become Yash Raj Films' (YRF) favourite. His first venture with the production giant is yet to hit the screens, but the actor has already signed another film with the banner.

Shahid's first film with YRF is being directed by Anurag Singh. He has teamed up with Rani Mukerji in the film, which was earlier titled 'Hadippa', which is said to be about cricket.

The second project that Shahid has been signed up for will be actor Parmeet Sethi's directorial debut and he teams up with Anushka Sharma of 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' fame.

'The Yash Raj camp sees Shahid as the classic romantic hero who has the potential to turn on the sexy or rugged vibe when required,' said a source close to the actor

Prabhu Deva bowled over by Bhaichung's dancing skills

Dancing sensation Prabhu Deva went ga-ga over football star Bhaichung Bhutia's performance when he appeared as a guest judge on Sony TV's reality TV show "Jhalak Dikkhla Jaa".

"I'm thrilled to see Bhaichung dance like this. He is too good," Prabhu Deva exclaimed after seeing Bhutia's performance on the show.

The footballer apparently performs a dance act on top of two tables and a chair for the upcoming episode of the show.

"I was praying for him. After all he has to play football," added the Tamil actor.

Prabhu Deva also danced to his famous number "Urvashi urvashi" from the film "Humse Hai Muqabala" and later shook a leg with contestant, model Gauhar Khan. He also said that his personal favourite out of all those present on the show was ace choreographer and judge Saroj Khan.

He requested her to share the dance floor and Saroj Khan duly obliged. This particular episode will air on Sony Entertainment Television Friday at 9 p.m.

Moody Salman may lose 10 Ka Dum contract

Tired with Salman Khan's mood swings and unprofessional behaviour, the makers of his TV show 10 Ka Dum have issued the star an ultimatum.

Well, I couldn't really blame them. After all, Sallu boy had left without shooting for a single episode only a week prior to the launch of the show.

A little birdie tells me, "The makers of 10 Ka Dum are in huge trouble already with Salman not shooting even a single episode. They had to issue an ultimatum to the actor. They have sent a notice to Salman asking him to finish shooting four episodes before May 22. They've also threatened to replace him or even scrap the show if he doesn't. According to them, if he shoots before May 22, there'll be ample time left to edit before the show goes on air on May 30."

Sometimes, I really fail to understand this actor. At times he'll be too helpful (you know how he helped the makers during the first season) and at times...well, think I'll just have to wait and watch what happens next!

Govindas Beautiful Daughter Narmmadaa Ahuja

Aamir Khan geared up for his first Hollywood flick

Whether they say it or not, whether they act cool and unimpressed about it or not, the fact remains a fact that the ultimate dream of all the Bollywood stars is Hollywood. Now, our Aamir Khan will be seen in his first Hollywood flick and and that too opposite none other than the Oscar winner Titanic actress Kate Winslet. The flick will be directed by Pan Nalin. However, Kate has not given a final nod to the role of Dr. Sophie and if she refuses it, the offer goes to Mummy actress Rachel Weisz.

Nalin says, “Either Kate or Rachel will be doing my film. I will be meeting both of them after my Cannes trip to finalise the casting. Either of them will be able to do justice to this marvelous story.”

The movie is based on Pakistani play Toba Keh Singh, a story which shows the comical side of an Indian mental asylum in 1947, during partition of India. Aamir will be playing a mentally retarded person in the asylum.

The best Bollywood Jodi!

Poet and writer Javed Akhtar and his beautiful and talented wife Shabana Azmi walks away with the best couple vote in Bollywood in an online poll. This was conducted by Bharat Matrimony. The couple got a twenty nine per cent vote. The other contenders were Amitabh Bachchan-Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan-Gauri Khan, Abhishek Bachchan-Aishwarya Rai, Ajay Devgan-Kajol.

Congratulations, Javed Ji and Shabana Ji. You lie enshrined in our hearts!

Bollywood Actress Sneha Ullal in a Hot Photoshoot

Will Freida dethrone Ash and Sonam to become the new face of L’oreal?

It was rumored that Freida Pinto, the star actor in the Oscar winner film Slumdog Millionaire was to be the face of Estee Lauder. And now she has signed as the new face of L’oreal? But has she usurped Sonam and Ash from their respective thrones to be the new face? It is still to be found out.

Freida and Evangeline Lilly, the actress in flick "Lost" have signed as the new faces of L’oreal. Freida is proud to be a part of the L’oreal family.

Would Ash and Sonam be happy at the news.

Amitabh Bachchan gets court notice on tax exemption

New Delhi, May 4 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan Monday got a notice from the Supreme Court on a plea challenging a judicial verdict allowing 30 percent tax rebate on his income to the tune of Rs.509 million in fiscal 2001-02.

A bench of Justice S.H. Kapadia and Justice Aftab Alam sought Bachchan's stand on the lawsuit by the union government's Income Tax Department.

The bench also asked the actor to account for his 2001-02 income and expenditure with appropriate proof and adjourned the matter for final hearing on Oct 28.

The case largely pertains to the actor's income from the popular TV game show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' on Star TV.

The Bombay High Court had allowed the actor to avail the tax relief accepting his plea that as an artist he was entitled to the exemption as per section 80 RR of the Income Tax Act.

The Income Tax Department, however, challenged the high court ruling contending that section 80 RR of the IT Act grants tax rebates only to those artistes who earn either by performing outside the country or receive payment from foreign agencies.

The tax authorities have contended that the TV show was produced by Indian firm Star India Ltd. that renders him ineligible for the tax rebate.

Ash to work with Vivek and Salman?

Aishwarya Rai Comedy and entertainment are no longer restricted to Bollywood. They have seeped into the media reportage of the happenings in the industry.

One such funny rumour that took tinsel town by surprise was of Aishwarya Rai agreeing to act in a film with her two ex beaus – Salman Khan and Vivek Oberoi . The rumour said that director Satish Kaushik had managed to do the impossible by getting Ash’s nod to star opposite the two male actors in his movie titled ‘Tansen’.

Now, this is a kind of rumour that stumped the happily married Ash more than anyone. While she has graciously chosen to ignore the gossip rather than waste her time denying it, Kaushik, who has been flooded with calls about the casting coup, is upset, to say the least.

The director says that far from approaching Vivek or Salman for his film, he has not even talked to Ash about it. So the question of Ash working with the two male stars doesn’t arise at all?

Kaushik does concede that he had mentioned Abhishek Bachchan ’s name as a probable actor for the cast because “he suits the role” and has a star persona as well. But from where does the rumour of Salman and Vivek as Ash’s co-stars began, Kaushik hasn’t a clue.

So as things stand now, Rajshri Productions, who are producing ‘Tansen’, have approached Abhishek, and the actor has agreed to sit for a script narration. That’s it. Whether he signs the film or not will be known after the script, which is currently being worked upon, is finished.

Abhishek Bachchan more blessed than parents: Rakeysh Mehra

Filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, who directed Abhishek Bachchan for the first time in 'Delhi-6', says he is a 'pedigree' actor and is far more 'blessed' than his parents Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan.

'In terms of balance, Abhishek is far more blessed than both his parents. He is a thoroughbred and a pedigree. He has styles from both his mother and father but possesses the sensitivity and softness of his mother,' Mehra told IANS.

Mehra, who worked with Amitabh in 'Aks', was also all praise for Abhishek's acting style.

'Abhishek is in his nascent stage as an actor but he has got a whole lot of experience as an actor. He delves into the character and lately he's started doing that more often. I remember while shooting for 'Delhi-6', I couldn't believe that it's Abhishek when he completely got into the character of Roshan (the protagonist).

Voting for the first time was an exhilarating experience - Amrita Rao

Shocking as it may sound, Amrita Rao who has been in two of the most successful films of the decade -Farah Khan's Main Hoon Na and Sooraj Barjatya's Vivah and whose success rate and iconic status is certainly higher than most of her contemporaries, was not asked to be part of the Karan Johar-Tarun Mansukhani's Vote Aapke Haath Mein Hai campaign.
When asked about this surprising omission Amrita laughs away the query. "You'll have to ask them why I wasn't part of it."

Amrita, it would seem, has antagonized the Johar-Chopra's by refusing to do Bachna Ae Haseeno. She was offered the role that Minissha Lamba finally did.

Says Amrita, "I won't say I'm tired of playing the sweet girl next-door who looks at life each day with wide-eyed wonder. But I do crave for a change of image. In my next release Short Cut I play a very glamorous girl. For the first time, I'm being dressed up by Manish Malhotra. That does say something about the characters I've played so far. So yes I declined Bachna Ae Haeseeno. I couldn't relate to the character."

No one says no to a Yash Chopra presentation. Amrita's behaviour was secretly described as "high-handed" and "reckless".

And now she was refused a place among Bollywood's 30-minus icons in Karan Johar's voting-awareness film although everyone from Kareena Kapoor to Ritesh Deshmukh featured in it.

Not that Amrita was brooding over being left out. On Thursday Amrita Rao voted for the first time. So excited was she by the prospect of casting her vote that she reached the polling booth even before the gates had opened.

"At 7 am I was the first voter at the booth in the municipal school in Mahim. I feel so proud of being able to vote for the first time. I keep looking at the black mark on my finger proudly. For years I envied that tell-tale mark on my parents' finger."

Amrita's chosen candidate had to fulfill three prerequisites. "He had to be well-educated, young though not inexperienced, and without a criminal background."

Interestingly she says she attained a voting consciousness from an electorally-galvanizing website jaagore.com.

Katrina Kaif shares some light moments with Imran Khan

Now, it seems here that beautiful Katrina Kaif loves to bond with her young co-stars. Last time, while shooting for ‘Azab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani’, she got along so well with Ranbir Kapoor that Deepika Padukone had to drop in at the sets unannounced to check if there was something going on between the two.

Now, when Kaif and Imran Khan have been signed on by Sanjay Gandhvi for his next film, a romantic comedy, the two stars have already begun bonding even though the film is yet to go on the floors.

Both of them are attending the acting and speech classes together organized by Sanjay prior to the film’s shoot. The two also indulged in fun when they met at a suburban gym in Mumbai. Katrina, who is otherwise reserved, tried pulling Imran’s leg by joking that his height and weight are less in comparison to hers. However, when measured, she was proved wrong as Imran outnumbered her in both weight and height.

We also hear that Dibakar Banerjee (Khosla Ka Ghosla fame) is also considering both Katrina and Imran for his next. He is also keen to rope in Abhay Deol , who is likely to play a gay character in the flick.